Tata LPK 3118 BS-IV

December 24, 2019: Tata Motors has a significant hold in the country’s M&HCV market where it also has achieved a good penetration in the tipper segment as well. Among the most popular tipper models in the country is the Tata LPK 3118 platform that gets an Axle Configuration of 4x2 while one can choose the Vehicle Configuration in either Cabin & Chassis or Cabin with Box body form. The Load Body Options is available in an 18 Cu.M Box body. The maximum permissible GVW of the Tata LPK 3118 is set at 31000kg and a wheelbase of 5580mm with a ground clearance of 240mm.

The Tata LPK 3118 is powered by Tata Cummins ISBe5.9 180 40 engine with a 6 cylinder 5883cc platform compliant to BSIV norms currently.  The maximum power output from this engine is 180bhp made at 2500rpm and a peak torque rating of a whopping 700Nm at just 1500rpm. It gets a Tata G 950 – DD 6-Speed manual gearbox mated to a 380mm single-plate dry clutch. It has a limited top speed of 70kmph and a Gradeability of 21%. It has a fuel tank capacity of 300 liters along with an additional 35-liter tank for ad-Blue.

Tata has made sure that the Tata LPK 3118 comes with a host of features to make driving it easier and comfortable as well. You get the likes - Driver Information Display, Adjustable Driver Seat, a power steering with a tiltable column and an arm-rest. The Driver Seat is also 6-way adjustable while ai conditioning is provided as an optional accessory.  Suspension duties are taken care by a sturdy parabolic suspension at the front while the rear gets a Semi elliptical Leaf springs suspension setup.

Overview

The Tata LPK 3118 is a multi-axle tipper from the Indian manufacturer which was launched in September 2012. Tata introduced this model for the mining and construction industry. It is perfect for the transportation of gravel, stone, and coal. The tipper can be put to work from the very first day of purchase since it is entirely built from the factory itself.

The Mahindra Blazo X 31, Volvo FM 380 and Scania P410 are competition for this tipper.

Specs

Engine: 5883 cc, 6 Cylinder, Common Rail Diesel, BS IV

Maximum Power: 180 hp at 2500 rpm

Maximum Torque: 700 Nm at 1500 rpm

Gross Vehicle Weight: 31,000 kg

Wheelbase: 5580 mm

Engine & Performance

The Tata LPK 3118 is powered by a Cummins ISBe 5.9 180 40 engine which produces a maximum power of 180 hp at 2500 rpm and peak torque of 700 Nm at 1500 rpm. These performance figures make the truck easy to use under difficult road conditions, which a tipper is regularly subjected to.

The gearbox on the LPK 3118 is a G1150-DD model, which has been successfully used on a range of trucks by Tata. This gearbox features a crawler gear as well, with a ratio of 12.87 as compared to 9.13 of the 1st gear, giving this tipper a gradeability of 33% and 23% respectively.

A single plate dry friction push type clutch transmits the power through the gearbox to the rear wheels.

The Cummins engine uses the effective Selective Catalytic Reduction technology with Tata’s Diesel Exhaust Fluid to reduce emissions without compromising performance and sticking to BS IV norms.

Vehicle Build & Load Capacity

A steel cabin along with a robust tipper body, ensure the Tata LPK 3118 will stand the test of time even under rigorous use in harsh working conditions.

This truck comes with an 18 CuM tipper capacity which is tiltable to 47 degrees for easier dumping of goods.

Handling & Suspension

Power steering makes handling of the Tata LPK 3118 easy under challenging conditions. With a turning radius of 19.6 m, this tipper can be manoeuvred in tight spots, which is often the case at mining/ constructions sites.

The ladder type heavy duty frame has a depth of 285 mm and width of 888 mm. This chassis provides the LPK 3118 with stability even at speeds of 70 kmph, which is where this truck tops off.

Suspension duties are looked after by a parabolic unit at the front and a semi-elliptical leaf spring at the rear. There is an optional Inverted Bogie suspension for the HD variant. With a ground clearance of 240 mm, the LPK 3118 smoothly drives over rough terrain.

The front axle is an extra heavy duty forged I beam, reverse elliot type, twin steerer axle. The rear axle uses the RA 109 SRT, which is extra heavy duty with hypoid gears and fully floating axle shafts.

Braking & Safety

Braking on the Tata LPK 3118 is taken care of by full air S-Cam with the automatic adjuster at the front and rear. This is supplemented with the engine exhaust brake as an auxiliary braking system. The service brakes come equipped with ABS, which improves the safety standard of the tipper.

The parking brake is a spring actuated brake on the rear wheel.

An anti-roll bar is used at the front but not on the rear. The LPK 3118 misses out on tubeless tyres, which would have been an improvement on the safety front.

Design & Comfort

The Tata LPK 3118 uses a traditional box type design, which is typical in the tipper segment. Modern design elements have been used on the day cabin with an adjustable driver’s seat. The seat is made of vinyl and melba fabric to improve the level of comfort for the driver.

This tipper is 8903 mm long, 2540 mm wide and 3332 mm high, giving it a formidable on-road presence. Front overhang of 33 degrees and 1340 mm allows it to climb over reasonably large obstacles with ease.